Indianapolis Travel Guides

Indy is a fitting nickname for a city so full of creative energy, start-ups, and artistic enterprises. An international reputation for motor sports and beer could leave Indy with something of a macho reputation, but with an outstanding collection of museums, markets, and children’s activities, it’s just seriously cool. Even if it’s the lure of the racetrack which brings you here, you’ll discover so much more.

From the bright lights of Downtown with its theaters and concert venues, to the boho-chic of Broad Ripple and Fountain Square, Indy is party-ready any night of the week. Things really heat up at weekends, when comedy venues put on big acts, laid-back bars become late-night dance clubs, and live music rocks the city.

Boasting a vast State Park in the very center of the city, Indianapolis is a urban playground built for families. Whether the kids want to make noise, create art, or swing through the trees, it’s all possible – the more active and adventurous you are, the more Indy will reward you.

Petrolhead or sensitive artist? Indianapolis’ cultural identity is impossible to classify in simple terms. History and futurism sit side-by-side; classical music fills concert halls while the roar of race cars fuels excitement at the Speedway. But Indy’s talent lies in weaving its identities together into one rich and harmonious picture.

Will you wake up amidst the bustle of Downtown, close to the roar of the Speedway, or in one of Indy’s distinctive outer districts? Since it welcomes millions of visitors each year, Indy has hospitality sorted, with everything from budget motels providing self-catered accommodation, to luxury hotels giving you the best of Indy chic. Most districts contain a mixture of hotels of all budgets, so your only decision is about which area suits you best.

With its distinct cultural districts and a lively, pedestrian-friendly central area, Indianapolis makes shopping a delightful experience. Spend a morning browsing vintage bazaars in Fountain Square or Broad Ripple Village, then head to one of the city’s malls for an afternoon of serious spending, or at least aspirational window shopping. You certainly won’t go far in Indy without some quirky shop or sleek boutique catching your eye, so you might need an extra suitcase.

The Speedway squeals, roars and thrums with burning rubber and passionate crowds, while the museums offer islands of calm, hushed amazement and fine artistic skill. Indianapolis is nothing if not diverse, and both petrolheads and culture lovers can find their spiritual home somewhere in this city. With a range of world-class attractions that the whole family can enjoy, Indianapolis is a top choice for an invigorating city break.

Midwest steak, Southern soul food, race day burgers, and international cuisine: Indianapolis has it all. With its Downtown area based around the Farmer’s Market, it’s no surprise that plenty of restaurants are going natural and making use of the fresh produce. The cultural districts of Indianapolis offer a global tour of food, from Japanese sushi bars to Italian pizzerias, while out west in Speedway, the focus is on finger-lickin’ American grills and steakhouses.

Located at the ‘crossroads of America’, Indianapolis is a self-assured and welcoming place, with a warm and friendly atmosphere rare in cities of this size. It defies attempts to label it, being an aesthetically pleasing and culturally-rich industrial power, a sports-mad, beer-swilling, red-blooded giant, and a sensitive, eco-friendly, artistic soul. So whether you want to spend your time perusing quiet art galleries, or screaming your head off at the Speedway, Indy has experiences to suit your style.